No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Fence Post During Landing, Overturns and Burns (N663B)

Council Grove, KS, US

On June 14, 1997, a Grumman G-164 (registration N663B) operated by Ronald G. Youngblood was involved in an aviation accident near Council Grove, KS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for landing and the fence post. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's inability to see the fence post due to the high vegetation, and the soft dirt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a landing approach, an aircraft's lower left wing and boom struck a steel fence post hidden in wheat. The plane skidded into a soybean field, flipped over, ruptured its fuel tank, and was destroyed by fire.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot, the accident occurred during a landing to the north. The lower left wing and boom of the aircraft struck a steel fence post that was obscured by the wheat crop. Following the impact, the airplane skidded left off the road and entered a soybean field.

Sequence of Events

The wheels dug into the soft dirt, causing the aircraft to nosed forward. The right lower wing caught the ground, and the airplane flipped onto its back. The pilot reported that the overturn ruptured the fuel tank. He quickly released his seat belt and exited the aircraft.

Post-Impact Fire

Shortly after the pilot evacuated, the aircraft burst into flames and was completely destroyed by fire. A post-accident examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies or pre-existing mechanical issues.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1997 Grumman G-164 accident near Council Grove, KS?

During a landing approach, an aircraft's lower left wing and boom struck a steel fence post hidden in wheat. The plane skidded into a soybean field, flipped over, ruptured its fuel tank, and was destroyed by fire.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Jun 1997 Grumman G-164 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1997 involved a Grumman G-164, registration N663B, operated by Ronald G. Youngblood, at Council Grove, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's selection of an unsuitable area for landing and the fence post. Factors relating to this accident were the pilot's inability to see the fence post due to the high vegetation, and the soft dirt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08080. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.